[ajbaker]

Afternoon to you all.

After doing 20k a year in a VW Bora for the last 3 years, I've decided it's about time I was driving something I actually enjoy. Having never driven a BMW before I was quite simply stunned by the test drive I had in a 335D M Sport Coupe at the weekend. It's a sorely tempting purchase...

I have a few questions that I hope you might be able to comment on.

I'm quite used to using cruise control (it's the only way I have found to not speed!) and was really surprised to find no foot rest to the right of the accelerator when I test drove the car. For those who use cruise control, what do you do with you right foot? (It's the only thing I prefer about my Bora.)

£26k sounds high for this car (from a dealer) with 20k on the clock. Do you agree? (Extras included automatic, heated seats, iDrive, bluetooth prep, full leather, folding mirrors)

The only thing missing was USB preparation. Can I assume that the dealer is able to install this extra to the same standard as an option on a new car? Is this all that is required for me to use play audio from my iPhone, see track names and select playlists on the iDrive display? Where is the USB port installed - can it be in front of the gear shift?

Is there anything particular I should be looking out for on this car or in the documentation?

Finally, can anyone point to advice in negotiating with BMW dealers. This will be my first dealer car purchase and wonder how much leeway they have on price, service contracts etc. Cash purchase.

The only other car I am considering is a 330D Convertible. Anyone care to persuade me that a Coupe is the better choice?!

Appreciate these are fairly basic questions, but I often trust forums more than salesmen. Appreciate your time and thoughts in advance.

Andrew

[peterg1965]

Hi and welcome. Do you have a link to the car you are looking at?

I had a 57 plate 335d M Sport Coupe from new, a very capable car in every respect. Negotiate hard with BMW dealers, they will have a decent margin for profit in the car, particularly if you are a cash purchaser. As for the convertible, it is horses for courses, they are tin top 'verts so it is the best of both worlds.

Oh, I am pretty sure you cannot retrofit USB audio.

I say hold out for the car you want with the spec to match.

[Nick999]

The car sounds nice. Maybe a little over priced, although you will always pay a little more for an approved used car from a dealer.
As for negotiating with BMW dealers. Thats a Yes. It took me five weeks to find the right spec 335i through the dealer network. A mint 08 plate with just 11k miles with all the options I wanted.. Was advertised for £25K, but I got it for £24K cash. In fact there was a few dearer private cars advertised back in the Summer. I had even agreed to buy an 09 model for £28.5K, but the seller changed his mind becausr his new X5 wouldnt be delivered for 8 weeks.

As for USB / ipod connection. It's located in the centre consol. Your dealer should be able to fit this for you. Think it's about £250. A good bargaining point.

[zltm089]

Negotiate hard!...

Coupe definitely over the convertible! ...

Don't bother with cruise control!....in a 335.... thats the reason theres no "space" to rest your right foot!...

[briers]

Does sound high only plus point being the mileage, don't be afraid to go for a higher mileage car. Plenty around all running fine.

I found BMW dealers only willing to knock about 1k off. I didn't push hard so you might get more but not much on a 26k car... unless you go private and save yourself 4k or more on a 57 plate coupe.

Cruise control... when i use it i just put my foot flat on the floor. Never been an issue really.

[CobraMarty]

335d M Sport Coupe, That is the car I want here in the states!! Why don't they import it here? Just buy it! Haggling and possibly losing the car is not worth the 1,000 possible savings and when you figure that over ?5 year ownership that's only 16 quid a month. Buy the car and enjoy it.

[ghosty]

like others have said, sounds a tad expensive but hopefully can negotiate it down a bit..

just for your info the auto box and leather comes as standard on that car. the usb is a costly retrofit, but i think other options are available if youre going down the retrofit route

bothe the coupe and the vert are good cars, it just depends which one you want. more power in the 335 or an open top for the summer, as you noticed you cant have both

like others have said and many have experienced, the right car will come along so dont be too disapointed if this one doesnt work out. good luck with the hunt

[davyk31]

Does the car have 19" wheels ? if not then Glasses guide knocks £1000 off their valuation and would def make that car look pricey. if you are happy with 18s then thats another bargaining point for you.

[evil_scooby]

Or you could always buy my 56 reg 335d remapped coupe for much less ;-)

[beemerbird]

Good solid engine imo and a very capable car.

Have a look at this thread on here about the boost hose. Really no big deal, just something to look out for.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=281232

Foot rests on the mat.......depends how big your feet are lol.

Originally Posted by ghosty

like others have said, sounds a tad expensive but hopefully can negotiate it down a bit..

just for your info the auto box and leather comes as standard on that car. the usb is a costly retrofit, but i think other options are available if youre going down the retrofit route

+1 on the price.

You sure about leather as standard? May do now perhaps (haven't checked) but my 335d was new on a 57 plate and leather was an extra.

[MEGA]

I've not seen an M-sport 335d with cloth ever... But I've seen one or two very early SE models with it on autotrader in my time.

Maybe standard on the M sport though.

It really aught to be standard on all models when the base price of this car is so high, lol..

[wayne71]

I have the 335D M sport with cloth I've had leather in all my cars and tbh I really don't miss it at all.

[vegnomeat]

"A mapped 335d can keep up on a roll"

I thought it best to add this now as dxb335d will be along shortly and I can save him some time.

veggie

[ghosty]

Originally Posted by beemerbird

You sure about leather as standard? May do now perhaps (haven't checked) but my 335d was new on a 57 plate and leather was an extra.

maybe youre right there with your vast car knowledge Helen
i know the leather is standard now, not sure how long that has been the case though, but ever since ive been looking at e92's. i think i must have assumed that based on that info, and that i havent seen an e92 335d without leather. 'more expensive' leather is always an option though, as with the BMW options list, lol

[dxb335d]

Get the Coupe 335 over vert 330

[beemerbird]

Originally Posted by ghosty

maybe youre right there with your vast car knowledge Helen
i know the leather is standard now, not sure how long that has been the case though, but ever since ive been looking at e92's. i think i must have assumed that based on that info, and that i havent seen an e92 335d without leather. 'more expensive' leather is always an option though, as with the BMW options list, lol

Thought you were taking the piss at first then. Not vast by any means, just been around a bit.

Anyhow you are correct. Leather is now standard but then the prices have gone up and many Audi models have leather as standard along with other things, but then they invariably cost a bit more than BMW's so we can't win either way lol.

[acerboo]

the foot rest is the pedal to the right of the brake pedal! dont bother with radio usb ipod and all that crap just concentrate on driving the car, you'll enjoy every mile, i ordered mine with cloth and had my own leather with piping put in.

[Sportplus]

With iDrive and bluetooth prep, could you buy a cradle for the iphone and play your music that way?

Just got my new E91 and still playing with the toys so not sure.